Today in History
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2005 The solar system’s largest known dwarf planet is discovered
The discovery of “Eris” prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to downgrade Pluto, roughly the same size, to the status of dwarf planet.
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1993 The oil tanker MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands
The oil tanker spilt twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez in 1989.
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1968 The Prague Spring begins
Czechoslovakia’s period of political liberalization began with the election of Alexander Dubek as the country’s leader.
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1933 Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.
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1895 Alfred Dreyfus is sentenced to life imprisonment
The French artillery officer was accused of treason. He was later exonerated.
Births On This Day, January 5
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1969 Marilyn Manson
American singer-songwriter, actor, director
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1932 Umberto Eco
Italian philosopher, author
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1928 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Pakistani politician, 4th President of Pakistan
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1876 Konrad Adenauer
German politician, Chancellor of West Germany
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1779 Stephen Decatur
American navy officer
Deaths On This Day, January 5
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2016 Pierre Boulez
French pianist, composer, conductor
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1970 Max Born
German physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
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1933 Calvin Coolidge
American politician, 30th President of the United States
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1922 Ernest Shackleton
Irish explorer
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1589 Catherine de’ Medici
Italian/French wife of Henry II of France
